Al-Qassim

Al-Qassim nurtures more than eight million palms and hosts the world's largest date market in Buraydah, where hundreds of tonnes change hands in daily dawn auctions each season. Golden Sukkari is the region's jewel, with Segai and Barhi close behind in Najdi hearts.

The Buraydah Date Festival each summer is practically a national celebration: open auctions and a tasting expertise passed down through generations.